Tel Aviv in Techicolour: Mediterranean and Middle Eastern

By Allison Webster

If Tel Aviv, Israel, isn’t already on your travel radar, it should be. If you want the best of the Mediterranean and Middle East combined, with great beaches, plus historical and cultural landmarks, you’ll find it all and more in Tel Aviv.

Enjoy great food, drinks, museums, sun and sea!

Food scene

From street vendors to upscale a la cart restaurants, Tel Aviv has everything from traditional falafel and hummus to international cuisine. As part of a country made up of different ethnic groups, Tel Aviv offers a fusion of flavours influenced by the many people and cultures who have called this land home – past and present.

The Jaffa neighbourhood is traditionally Arab, so the food scene reflects that with shawarma and shakshuka served on fresh pita (to be eaten with your hands, of course).

If you are vegetarian or vegan and find travelling difficult most of the time, add Tel Aviv to your list. There are over 400 vegan (or vegan-friendly) restaurants in the city! You can also count on lots of fresh produce – as the climate provides optimal growing conditions for many fruits and vegetables. So, in addition to all the vegan establishments, you can also find a lot of farm-to-table eateries.

Nightlife

Tel Aviv is a 24-hour city – with a vibrant nightlife scene. In fact, many flock here specifically for the bars and clubs. It’s not all dance clubs with electronic music – there is something for everyone. Yes, you will be able to attend world-class events, with famous DJs in large-scale venues, but you can also have cocktails in quieter neighbourhood bars. There are also clubs on the beach for those who want to enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air into the night.

If you want to partake in Tel Aviv’s nightlife, you might want to take an afternoon nap. Unlike many North American cities, partying in Tel Aviv starts late and goes till the wee hours of the morning. There is no 2 a.m. last call, as most don’t shut down until dawn.

The legal drinking age in Israel is 18-year-old, but many clubs and bars set their own minimum age. The age of 25 is common. That said, some of the more touristy places are more lenient.

Beaches

With a long, sandy coastline, Tel Aviv is fortunate to have a lot of beautiful beaches. They’re enjoyed practically year-round, by both tourists and locals alike.

Everyone looks for something different in a beach vacation, so lucky for you, each beach in Tel Aviv caters to different types of experiences.

The busiest and most popular beach is Gordon-Frishman Beach, which is a hot spot on the weekends and all summer long. If you want to sip something cold while enjoying the sun and the view, Banana Beach is your scene. If you love live music in a chill environment, Dolphinarium Beach has a weekly festival on Fridays worth checking out. Alma Beach is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet, but isn’t ideal for families, as there is no lifeguard on duty.

Arts and Culture

In addition to the party and beach culture, Tel Aviv is also home to stunning architecture and world-class museums. For starters, visit the White City to view the largest collection of Bauhaus-style buildings in the world! Thanks to being designated a World Heritage Site in 2003, the city has been able to restore these iconic buildings. They were built in the 1920s and 30s by German immigrants.

As for museums, there is no shortage here! From art to history and culture, Tel Aviv has you covered. The Tel Aviv Museum of Art rivals those found in New York and London. There’s also the Beit Hatfutsot: The Museum of the Jewish People. Located on the campus of Tel Aviv University, this museum covers Jewish history throughout the diaspora. There’s also an archaeology museum, the Eretz Israel Museum. If you want to learn local Tel Aviv history, stop by the Museum of History of Tel Aviv-Yafo.

LGBTQ

If you’re looking for an LGBTQ-friendly place to vacation, consider a stay in Tel Aviv. The city hosts the biggest Pride Parade in the Middle East and Asia! The city also created a LGBT Community Centre to provide important services, such as recreation, child care and healthcare services.

If you’re looking for a beach, Hilton Beach is considered LGBTQ-friendly, but is open to everyone. It’s an inclusive place where everyone can enjoy sun and recreation on the beach together!

Safety

If the idea of travelling to Israel makes you nervous due to ongoing political conflicts, you can rest assured that Tel Aviv is one of the safest cities in the country. As with any place, you need to exercise caution. For example, don’t leave your belongings unattended on the beach. Crime is generally low, especially violent crime.

That said, it’s best to stay away from the Israeli borders for non-essential travel.

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